Hearing Every Heart: Belonging, Voice, and Black History Month

A story of breakthrough, belonging, and the power of understanding in building truly inclusive church communities.

His voice was thick with emotion. For seven years, he had attended church, but this was the first time he had truly understood the full sermon. After all that time, by using Breeze Translate on his phone, the message finally reached him in his own language—a regional African dialect rarely supported by mainstream technology. This man's experience in Leicester is a story we hold close. As we observe Black History Month, a time dedicated to honouring history and challenging ourselves to build a more just future, his story serves as a powerful illustration.

There's a profound difference between being welcomed into a space and truly belonging within it. A welcome says, "You can be here." Belonging says, "Your voice matters here."

From Welcome to True Belonging

Opening the doors is the first step, but creating a true home for "every tribe, tongue, and nation," as our partners at St Peter's in Coventry envision, requires something more. It requires a commitment to mutual understanding. But we believe belonging goes even deeper than just listening.

From Listening to Participating

A church service is a dynamic conversation, not a monologue. In a multilingual congregation, what happens in these participatory moments? Too often, a barrier becomes visible. Those who don't speak the dominant language can listen, but they cannot easily contribute. Their prayers, their wisdom, their stories—the vital contributions that enrich the entire community—remain unheard.

Introducing a Bridge for Every Voice

We are overjoyed to share our answer to that question. Breeze Translate will soon automatically identify and switch between more than 60 languages during a live event. When the microphone is opened for community sharing, anyone can stand and speak in the language of their heart. Whether it's Farsi, Mandarin, Polish, or their own regional dialect, their words can be instantly translated for the entire congregation to see and understand.

More Than Technology: It's About Dignity

This isn't about celebrating a technical achievement; it's about honouring human dignity. It's about empowering every individual with the confidence that their voice is valued.

The Impact: Stories of Voices Heard

These stories remind us of the profound impact that understanding can have on individuals and communities.

The very first time we trialled Breeze... there was an electric buzz in the room as people discovered their own African, Chinese and Indian dialects—people were shouting out in excitement about finding Igbo, Malayalam, [and] Yoruba on the list. To have a moment of connection, in a spiritual place, to your home language was really precious.
One member of our congregation explained, with real emotion, how this was the first time he had had the sermon in his own language in over 7 years. He speaks a minor African language, and he shared how much of an impact it had on him to finally understand ALL of what was preached.

Ready to Build True Belonging?

Join us in creating spaces where every voice matters and everyone belongs.

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